Los Angeles Law Firms See Explosive Growth Amidst Competitive Market
Despite broader economic headwinds, Los Angeles County’s legal sector has experienced a period of robust expansion, fueled by aggressive lateral hiring and strategic mergers. A recent report by the Business Journal comparing firm headcounts from 2022 to 2025 reveals a highly competitive landscape where both large and small firms are vying for market share.
A “Buyer’s Market” for Legal Talent
The demand for attorneys in Los Angeles has been “strong” to “red-hot” since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting firms from the East Coast and Midwest to establish or expand their presence in the region. This influx has created a dynamic “buyer’s market,” according to one industry observer, with firms increasingly focused on attracting experienced lawyers rather than relying solely on recent law school graduates.
“It’s a buyer’s market,” observed Chris Frost, founder of litigation firm Frost LLP, established in Westwood in mid-2023. “My impression is that firms are looking to grow from the lateral market and are getting tired of just raising talent straight out of law school.”
Expansion Strategies: Mergers, Acquisitions, and Organic Growth
Firms are employing a variety of strategies to capitalize on the growth opportunity. Some, like Baker McKenzie, are expanding organically, while others are pursuing more aggressive tactics such as acquiring entire practice groups or merging with local firms. Perrie Weiner, who spearheaded Baker McKenzie’s expansion in Century City starting in 2018, noted the firm’s rapid growth. What began with four attorneys has blossomed into an operation of over 70 employees, including 48 lawyers.
“When I originally joined, L.A.’s a really rough market, so success would have been 15-20 lawyers in three to four years,” Weiner said. “We ended up blowing past that and moving locations here twice. We have every major practice area of the firm represented here.”
Top Growers Lead the Charge
The Business Journal’s analysis identified Quinn Emanuel Urqhuart & Sullivan as the leader in absolute growth, adding 61 attorneys between 2022 and 2025. Following closely behind were Willkie Farr & Gallagher (50 attorneys added), Goodwin (49), Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker (42), and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher (39). Notably, eight of the top ten firms by raw growth already had a substantial presence in 2022, with 52 or more attorneys. The number of firms with 100+ attorneys has also increased, rising from nine in 2022 to fifteen currently.
On average, the 50 fastest-growing firms increased their attorney headcount from 69 in 2022 to 94 this year, representing an average growth of 25 attorneys.
Percentage Growth Driven by Smaller Firms
While larger firms dominate the rankings by absolute numbers, smaller firms are achieving impressive growth percentages. Glendale-based D.Law, a wage and hour class action firm, experienced the most dramatic increase, growing from three attorneys in 2022 to 40 – a staggering 1,233% increase. This growth was spurred by the acquisition of a partner firm and a shift towards directly litigating cases.
The top five firms by percentage growth all exceeded 100% since 2022, with Shegerian & Associates (150%), Wilson Sonsini (120%), Troutman Pepper (108%), and Snell & Wilmer (100%) rounding out the list.
Strategic Mergers Reshape the Landscape
Mergers and acquisitions continue to be a key driver of growth, particularly for East Coast firms seeking to enter the Los Angeles market. Recent examples include Saul Ewing’s merger with Freeman Freeman & Smiley, Spencer Fane’s combination with Pahl & McCay, and Michael Best & Friedrich’s acquisition of O&A P.C. Existing firms are also leveraging mergers to expand their capabilities, such as Clark Hill combining with Barton Klugman & Oetting and Womble Bond Dickinson’s merger with Lewis Roca.
A Unique L.A. Market
Despite the influx of larger firms, Weiner believes there will always be a place for boutique and mid-sized firms in Los Angeles. He attributes this to the city’s unique economic character and the close relationships between attorneys and their clients.
“There will always be a place for a smaller to mid-size firms and I don’t necessarily think they’re the best suited candidates for mergers for larger firms,” Weiner explained. “There are parts of entertainment that just don’t scale for a larger firm… A lot of firms in L.A. are rate-sensitive, and you can’t acquire a firm that has tremendous rate sensitivity and think they’re going to fold into a global firm.”
The competitive landscape in Los Angeles suggests that the legal sector will continue to evolve, with firms adapting their strategies to attract talent, expand their practices, and serve a diverse client base.
